The Classical Era and the morals of Neoclassical art

     Neoclassical art had a strong focus on moral virtue, patriotic sacrifice, and good and moral deeds. The Neoclassical era focused on subjects that were very patriotic and subject to Greco- Roman material. Unlike the original Greek and Roman art, these pieces do not focus on the ideal human body. 


The Death Of General Wolfe painted by Benjamin West (1770)

    As described by the title, this painting shows the death of General Wolfe at the Battle of Quebec. He was killed by musket fire and is surrounded by his fellow men in his last moments. There is a strong similarity to the way that this painting is set up which is reminiscent of many paintings of Christ. The light is centered on General Wolfe making him the subject of the painting and your eye is drawn to him immediately. The morals in this painting are great, saying that your country is worth fighting for.


The Oath Of Horatii painted by Jaques-Louis David (1784)

    This painting depicts three brothers that are pointing toward their father that holds up their swords, as a gesture of allegiance. The brothers are about to go to war with another family. The women in the back are clearly forlorn about their family going to war. There is even someone in the background that is already wearing morning clothes for the death that is about to occur. One strong moral in the piece is one of family. The brothers are willing to fight and pledge allegiance to their father as they are about to go to war.


Cornelia, Mother of Gracchi, Pointing to her Children as Her Treasures painted by Angelica Kauffman (1785)

    Cornelia is the mother wearing brown and white, who is the mother of future politicians, Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus. The woman in red is a Roman matron who has come to chow Cornelia her beautiful treasures. The matron wants to see Cornelia's treasure and she simply points to her children. This was a very humbling moment for the matron and shows a strong sense of morality. Cornelia values her children more than any treasure. Family is a very strong theme in this painting as well.

“Neoclassical Art.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 3 Apr. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/art/Neoclassicism.

“Neoclassicism Movement Overview.” The Art Story, https://www.theartstory.org/movement/neoclassicism/. 

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